204 p., [16] p. of plates : 25 cm

In George Gershwin : an intimate portrait, Walter Rimler makes use of fresh sources, including newly discovered letters by Kay Swift as well as correspondence between and interviews with intimates of Ira and Leonore Gershwin. It is written with spirited prose and contains more than two dozen photographs.--from the publisher

Includes bibliographical references and index

From street kid to Wunderkind -- Falling in love with Kay -- Piano concerto -- Ira takes a wife -- Porgy -- Paris -- That long drip of human tears -- Losing streak begins -- Something big -- Don't make it too good, George! -- Kay, Jimmy, and FDR -- Heart of American music -- Kay's divorce -- Todd Duncan -- Casting, rehearsals, and an omen -- Critics have their say -- Limbo -- Hollywood beckons -- Pleasure Island -- Final concert, final affair -- Last songs -- Epilogue

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